2012-2013 Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad is pleased to announce the beginning of the application period for the 2012–2013 Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program. This program is funded by the Department of State, and supports the goals of the U.S. – Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement.
The Fulbright FLTA program is a nine-month non-degree program that provides young teachers of English an opportunity to refine their teaching skills, increase their English language proficiency and extend their knowledge of the cultures and customs of the United States, while teaching Arabic to U.S. students and strengthening foreign language instruction at U.S. colleges and universities. FLTA fellows also interact with their host communities in conversation groups, extracurricular activities, and community outreach projects.
FLTA fellows may assist in or teach up to two language classes and are required to enroll in at least two courses per semester, one of which must be in U.S. Studies. The remaining coursework should relate to their careers in English language teaching. FLTA fellows will also be expected to facilitate cultural events, language clubs, and language tables.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must:
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Be a teacher, or be in training to become a teacher, and hold a degree in the following fields (prior teaching experience is preferred):
- ESL – English as a Second Language
- American Studies
- Journalism and Media
- American or English Literature
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Be no younger than 21 and no older than 29 at the time of application;
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Hold Iraqi citizenship and reside in Iraq throughout the application and selection process;
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Possess the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree with a good academic record (graduation date not later than June 1, 2012); master's degrees are highly desirable at many institutions;
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Be fluent in English, as demonstrated by a score of no less than 550 (paper-based TOEFL); 213 (computer-based TOEFL); 79-80 (Internet-based TOEFL) or 6.0 (International English Language Testing System overall score); applicants who do not have a valid test score at the time of the application will be required to take the test as part of the selection process;
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Clearly demonstrate maturity, dependability, integrity and professionalism.
Grant benefits and dependants
All Fulbright FLTA participants receive a monthly stipend, accident and sickness coverage, and travel support. U.S. host institutions provide tuition waivers to support the required coursework.
Fulbright FLTA participants are required to return to their home countries upon completion of the nine-month program. Department of State will not support any extension requests for participants. The Fulbright FLTA program does not support dependents or family members. Candidates may not bring nor have any dependents accompany them for any time during the program. Family and friends may visit program participants during holiday periods. By extension of this policy, pregnant candidates may not participate in the program if the birth is due during the program period.
Application and selection
All applications must be submitted on-line at https://apply.embark.com/student/fulbright/flta/
A U.S. Embassy Selection committee will review and evaluate all on-line applications. Those candidates who pass the first review are invited for a personal interview at the U.S. Embassy and to take a TOEFL test. The final selection is made by J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board in the United States.
Important Note: Alumni of the Fulbright FLTA Program are eligible to apply for a traditional Fulbright Foreign Student grant, with a minimum two-year gap between the end date of their Fulbright FLTA grant and the start date of their traditional Fulbright Foreign Student grant.
For more information about FLTA program, please visit http://flta.fulbrightonline.org/
Questions about the program should be sent to IraqFLTA@state.gov
The deadline for applications is July 31, 2011.